Covid-19 cases are currently under control, especially after the aggressive vaccination drives. Embracing the new normal, schools have finally reopened, with children thrilled at the idea of meeting their friends, physically sitting in the classrooms and enjoying some time away from home. To protect our kids while letting them enjoy their childhood, the government has approved some vaccines which are already being given to children.
After initially approving only ZyCov-D, the government of India has approved another vaccine, the Corbevax, to boost the vaccination drive, in addition to Covaxin which was first approved for teens in India. The increasing number of approved vaccines from different manufacturers has led to a rapid immunisation of children against Covid-19.
Confused about the two new vaccines for children. Read ahead to know everything about ZyCov-D and Corbevax and then make an informed decision. A full course of vaccination for every eligible child is very important so that our lil ones have a strong guard while going to school.
The ZyCov-D vaccine is the first vaccine against Covid-19 that has been specifically made and approved for kids. The vaccine is developed by Zydus Cadila, an Ahmedabad based company. The ZyCov-D vaccine has been approved for children over 12 years.
ZyCov-D is a needle-free vaccine, an applicator is used to penetrate the skin and insert the vaccine particle inside the bloodstream. With a 66.66% efficacy rate, the vaccine is based on DNA plasmid technology.
ZyCoV-D was initially a three-dose vaccine, with each shot being administered four weeks apart but now it has received approval for 2 dose regimen.
As per the press release in April 2022, the vaccine has received approval for children over 12 years. The vaccine will now be administered 28 days apart.
A 2 two-dose vaccine, the Corbevax has been developed by Hyderabad based Biological E. The vaccine was initially available only for children between 12 to 14, but now it has been approved for children between 5 to 15 years.
Corbevax is a receptor-binding domain vaccine. This simply means that the vaccine inserts a piece of the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and uses this to stimulate and prepare the body to fight off any future infection.
Corbevax is administered in a two-dose format, with the second dose due after 28 days.
Comparison Table
| Features | ZyCoV-D | Corbevax |
| Origin | Zydus Cadila(Ahmedabad) | Dynavax, California; licensed to BioE(Hyderabad) |
| Nature of the Vaccine | Plasmid DNA-based vaccine | RBD protein subunit vaccine |
| Administration | Needle-free with PharmaJet | Intramuscular injection |
| Regimen | Administered in two doses: day 0 & day 28 (Was initially given in 3 doses) | Administered in two doses: day 0 & day 28 |
| Target Demographic after Emergency Use Authorization in India (EUA) | Approved for children of age 12 years and above | Approved for children in the 5-12 years age group. |
With more vaccines getting government approvals, selection must be done based on the age, method of administration, availability and the regimen. ZyCov-D is perfect for kids who are scared of needles and Corbevax is administered to kids between 5-12.
Vaccinate your kids and let them finally be carefree and safeguarded from Covid-19. After all, these vaccines have been proven effective in reducing the probability of serious illness due to Covid-19. Let’s prioritise immunising!
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
This article has been medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Most of the current COVID-19 vaccines have been found effective against the previous variants so far. However, over 30 mutations have been reported in the new Omicron variant. Mutations are responsible for bringing about the changes in the nature of the virus hence the question of the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 vaccines against the new variant- Omicron has arisen.
The World Health Organization has designated omicron as a “variant of concern,” adding that it can pose a very high global risk. [1]
In this article, we will see what existing vaccination options we have available at the moment and how effective, if at all, will they be against Omicron, the latest variant of COVID-19.
Adar Poonawala, CEO of Serum Institute of India (maker of Covishield vaccine), mentioned that studies are underway at the moment and the effectiveness of the Covishield vaccine with the Omicron variant can only be studied properly during the next 2-3 weeks. He further added that it’s too early to draw conclusions about the extent of the seriousness of the newly discovered Omicron, a variant that the WHO has designated with the Variant of Concern title.
In an interview with NDTV, Poonawala mentioned that a booster dose is possible specifically for the Omicron variant, however, the priority should be to get every citizen double vaccinated first.
In a research, AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine Covishield was effective against the Omicron coronavirus variation after the third treatment, with neutralising levels similar to those shown after a conventional two-dose course against the Delta variant.
Experts suggest that Covaxin could possibly be highly effective against the Omicron variant as it is a ‘whole virion inactivated coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, we need to wait for some more time to get concrete evidence to support this.
According to an official with the Indian Council of Medical Research, Covaxin is anticipated to be more effective against the highly mutating Omicron form than other COVID-19 vaccinations (ICMR).
“Covaxin is an inactivated whole virion vaccine. “It covers the full virus,” the official explained, “so it can operate against this highly modified new form”. “It was previously discovered that Covaxin was effective against all variations, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. As a result, we expect it to work against the new variety as well,” added another ICMR official.
In my experience variants will continue to evolve however due to robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses elicited by existing vaccines there will be cross protection.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The Pfizer vaccine will offer strong protection against any severe symptom caused by Omicron, Reuters quoted BioNTech’s, Chief Executive Officer. Speaking to the BBC recently, Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s CEO, said he is of the view getting vaccinated every year may be the way to offer a “very high level of protection” against the deadly disease that has reportedly caused upwards of five million casualties across the world.
The company is said to be updating their jab in response to Omicron, which could be ready in a short time, possibly 100 days. At the end of this year, Pfizer is expected to have supplied about three billion doses of their mRNA vaccine. The plan for next year stands at 4 billion.
If a person is infected with COVID but with an Omicron variant, he or she is less likely to develop a severe COVID infection, although there still is a requirement for a medical advice to appropriately manage the infection.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
We’ve seen five different types of concerns in the last two years: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron. While the first four VOCs were discovered in different regions of the world in 2020, Omicron was discovered in November 2021 in South Africa.
A recent article by Nature pointed out four possible scenarios of how the virus can evolve in the future.
Scenarios 1: SARS-best CoV-2’s hope – but also the least likely – is to follow in the footsteps of measles. Infection or immunisation confers lifetime immunity and the virus spreads mostly through new births.
Scenarios 2: SARS-CoV-2 following the path of the respiratory syncytial virus is a more realistic, but still hopeful, option (RSV). The majority of persons become infected within the first two years of their lives. RSV is a leading cause of infant hospitalisation, however, most occurrences in children are minor.
Scenarios 3: The third is coronavirus imitating the influenza A virus and is responsible for global seasonal influenza epidemics each year. New variants are able to evade the immunity elicited by previous strains due to rapid evolution. Seasonal epidemics emerge, as a result, fueled mostly by the transmission of the disease among adults, who can still acquire severe symptoms. The flu vaccine helps to lessen the severity of the illness.
Scenarios 4: But if SARS-CoV-2 evolves to evade immunity more sluggishly, it might come to resemble influenza B. That virus’s slower rate of change, compared with influenza A, means that its transmission is driven largely by infections in children, who have less immunity than adults.
Last week, a WHO official stated that the next strain of concern will be more fit, i.e., more transmissible because it will have to outcompete the existing strain. “The main question is whether future versions will be more or less severe,” says the author. Although hypotheses abound, there is no guarantee that the following variants will be gentler than the prior ones.
According to the official, the future version of Covid may dodge vaccine safeguards, even more, making existing vaccines for coronavirus even less effective.
The Gamaleya Institute believes both versions, Sputnik V and Sputnik Light, will be effective at neutralising the Omicron variant. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), made a statement recently about the same, the RDIF was a key supporter of the vaccine development at the state-run Gamaleya Center. In the statement, they said that the centre “has already begun developing the new version of Sputnik vaccine adapted to Omicron.”
Johnson & Johnson mentioned on their website that it is pursuing an Omicron-specific variant vaccine and will continue to work if need be. ”The new Omicron variant highlights the importance of continued surveillance, testing and vaccination to prevent hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19,” said Dr Mathai Mammen, global head for Janssen Research & Development LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
“We remain confident in the robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses elicited by the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated by the durability and breadth of protection against variants to date in clinical studies.” [2]
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest News & Updates
As of now, there is no evidence to support the thought that existing vaccines will be ineffective or less effective against the Omicron variant. As the WHO recommends, we need to continue to use vaccination as our best bet against severe illness and lower the risk of death due to COVID-19. With enough people vaccinated, the virus that is causing this pandemic will have fewer hosts. Fewer hosts mean not only fewer people getting sick, but also fewer opportunities for the virus to evolve and change. Let’s all work together to keep following the pandemic safety measures and we can eventually be safe from the virus once and for all. We need to be vigilant, but not only due to the Omicron variant. Simple actions like wearing a mask in public, maintaining social distance and regularly washing hands will help us to meaningfully lower our risk of catching this disease.
Also Read:
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
References
[1]-https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern
[2]-https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-to-evaluate-its-covid-19-vaccine-against-new-omicron-covid-19-variant
The COVID-19 Pandemic has wreaked havoc in our lives since 2020 and we have seen our world going through many ebbs and flows for this in the last two years. One moment, everything seems to go in the right direction, whereas in the next we are preparing for a new wave. But even in these uncertain times, we have managed to create many effective vaccines for our protection. This is no easy feat and we have our brilliant scientists to thank for that.
But the one thing that is more unpredictable than the outcome of the virus is the virus itself. It has been mutating heavily, and people are confused whether the existing vaccines are going to be effective against it or not. The current mutated variant – the Omicron variant stands as the most infectious one, and we must find out if our vaccines can protect us against it or not.
Not a lot is known about the Omicron Variant, but we know that it was first reported in South Africa. We know with the help of current reports and studies that the Omicron variant is far more infectious than the Delta variant or even the earlier COVID-19 strains such as Alpha or Beta. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant is known to spread from an infected person to another very easily even if they do not inhabit any symptoms, or even if they are fully vaccinated. But there have been fewer reports of people being in critical condition after getting infected with the Omicron variant.
Vaccines should be effective against the Omicron variant, just like they have proven themselves to be effective against all the previous ones. But even then, more research is being carried out to know just how effective the vaccines are against the Omicron variant. The research will reveal if two doses will suffice, or how effective a booster dose will be, what percentage of antibody boost can we expect from a 3-vaccine schedule, etc.
For Indians, the good news is, scientists have found that Covaxin is effective against Omicron. Covaxin has proven itself to be extremely effective against the Delta variant as well as the others, so there is no reason why it shouldn’t work at all against Omicron. It has even been supported by Samiran Panda, the head of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Studies are ongoing to find more evidence to back up the initial findings. So, in the Covaxin VS Omicron battle, it is the home-grown vaccine that is going to come out as victorious. Research is ongoing to determine whether a third dose of Covaxin is required or whether people vaccinated with Covaxin should opt for cocktail vaccination, which means the third dose should be of another vaccine such as Covishield.
Also Read: Precautions to Take Against Omicron Variant
You need to continue following the general precautionary rules that have been in place for the last two years.
Another way that you can increase your chances against the virus is by getting yourself fully vaccinated. In this Omicron VS Covaxin war, if you want Covaxin to win, then get both doses of the vaccine. If you choose the right side in this contest between Omicron VS Covaxin and follow the basic COVID rules, you can keep yourself protected against the disease and even reduce its spread of it.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
It is extremely important to stay cautious during these uncertain times and get yourself tested anytime you see any symptoms. This is going to be a difficult battle against COVID-19, but if we follow the rules we will win and emerge victoriously.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The Delta variant of COVID-19 was detected back in April 2021 in India. It was particularly dominant in Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. As a result, government regulations have tightened the restrictions and in many parts of these states, lockdowns have been observed in the last 2 months.
There was widespread scepticism regarding the efficacy of the Covaxin and Covishield vaccines against this new variant. However, a recent study has revealed that Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is indeed quite effective against the new Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus.
Covaxin, which is essentially a whole-virion inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, was found to be effective against the earlier Delta variant. Even during the second wave, which was mainly caused by the Delta variant, this vaccine proved to be 65.2% effective in protecting vaccinated people from the virus. Studies had been conducted in a double-blind, randomized and multicentre phase 3 clinical trial which had shown that the mass inoculation drives using Covaxin had been highly effective in controlling the spread of the earlier Delta variant.
Since Covaxin had earlier proven effective against the Delta variant, it is highly possible that it has a similar potency against the Delta Plus variant. The recent study in question was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research and has been recently published in the online research repository known as bioRxiv. The study stated that the natively developed Covaxin of India has been deemed effective against the Delta Plus variant. It concluded that Covaxin has shown 77.8% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 which is a phenomenal breakthrough discovery since this gets one step further in flattening the curve.
Since there has been great confusion regarding the extent to which Covaxin can be effective against this new variant, this study has shed light on certain facts and helped put many vaccinated people at ease. It was earlier speculated that the Delta Plus variant, which contains a mutation of the K417N spike protein can probably escape the immune response generated by the vaccines. Virologists and doctors were anxious that this new variant could surpass the effect of antibody response, thereby rendering Covaxin ineffective. However, with this new study, vaccinations using Covaxin can continue throughout the country as it shows a modest level of efficacy against the Delta Plus variant as well.
While the efficacy of Covaxin against the original variant of COVID-19 was reported to be 81%, that of the Covishield was reported to be 90%. As a result, many preferred the latter over the former homegrown vaccine. However, with the emergence of new variants like the Delta and the Delta Plus, it is seen that the effectiveness of both Covaxin and Covishield have been reduced.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that AstraZeneca’s Covishield, which has similar properties to that of Covaxin, is 67% effective against the new Delta and Delta Plus variants. In comparison, India’s very own Covaxin is about 65.2% effective, meaning there is not much difference between the efficacy of both.
COVID-19 vaccinations have been faced with mixed reactions from people along with typical rumours of being a placebo. However, such is usually the case with any medical or scientific breakthrough in its initial stages. As someone who has already been vaccinated, you must remember that these vaccines have undergone extensive human trials by now and new studies are being published frequently about their increased efficacy. Therefore, if you have already been vaccinated, you can rest assured that your vaccination has not been in vain.
Another factor to consider is the protection that vaccines offer despite not having a 100% prevention rate. As late as Jan 2022, vaccines were shown that not only do all vaccinations provide protection against severe symptomatic disease, it also protects against hospitalisation for Covid-19. In turn, several studies have shown that hospitalisation and death rates from Covid-19 are much lower in those who are vaccinated vs those who aren’t. Additional data coming in also shows that a booster shot (a third shot of the vaccination) also adds to this type of protection.
Even though these new studies have proven that Covaxin or any other COVID-19 vaccine for that matter, provide a decent amount of protection against the virus, none of them has 100% efficacy. Therefore, it is important that despite being vaccinated, we still follow all necessary COVID-19 protocols in order to prevent any future waves of this virus.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Amidst alarming news of COVID-19 cases increasing in India due to the Omicron variant, there is a ray of hope in the New Year with the government rollout of vaccines for children, frontline workers and senior citizens. The new vaccination drive which is to begin from 3rd January 2022 for teens aged 15-18 years signifies that every cloud has a silver lining.
To know more about the current scenario, what the government is planning and what you should do to stay safe read the article below.
Addressing the country on 25th December 2021, the honourable PM announced that The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the emergency use of the indigenously developed Covaxin for immunising young adults. Aside from Covaxin, ZyCoV-D developed by Zydus Cadila has also been authorised for emergency usage. However, the vaccination drive as of now will only cover children in the 15-18 years age bracket and Covaxin will be administered to them. Designed as a precautionary measure to protect the future of the Nation from the impending harm of the new variant, guardians as well responsible youths are urged to get their children and themselves registered respectively on the Co-WIN Portal.
As of now, the authorised COVID-19 vaccine for under 18 in India is slated to be only for Covaxin.
Frontline workers i.e., employees who have to be physically present at their jobs such as doctors, fire-fighters, policemen and other kinds of industry professionals were the first to get their jab last year when the vaccination drive started followed by senior citizens (with co-morbidities). To make sure that everyone is safe in the face of the omicron virus surge, the Government has announced and emphasised that these two groups will be once eligible for a booster vaccine dose called a precaution dose from January 10th 2022. To get the jab, registrations are required to be made on the portal once again. For safety concerns, senior citizens are advised to go ahead with the booster dose upon confirmation from their respective healthcare providers.
As of reports released on 3rd January 2022, the Union Health Ministry announced that the Omicron variant cases were 1,700 in the country with an infection radius of 23 states and union territories. Delhi itself recorded 84% of new infections in the last few days. Currently, Delhi is functioning with a ‘yellow alert’ category of restriction under which educational institutions, gyms, theatres and shops involved in the trade of non-essential items are meant to stay shut until further notice.
However, as per studies conducted by doctors, the Omicron variant is said to only bring about mild infections with little requirement for oxygen concentrators and hospitalization, unlike the Delta variant.
The trend shows that those without vaccination are likely to suffer a more painful infection as opposed to those being doubled vaccinated.
Another trend being noticed is that in most cases of the infection, the individual is asymptomatic, meaning that he/she wouldn’t know that they are infected and will unknowingly spread the viral infection when in close contact with others. Keeping this fact in mind, civilians are being asked to be cautious and follow all COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. This includes limiting going out in public spaces and spending the rest of the winter season in a low key manner. As per news reports, the festive season during December was one of the main drivers behind the surge in Europe and also why COVID-19 cases are increasing in India and so now there is a necessity to salvage the situation before it goes totally out of hand.
Although the Omicron variant is spreading quite fast, the good news is that India will see a surge by the end of January which means that the lifespan of this infection is going to be short-lived. In the meanwhile, it is advised that you get your children and elderly family members vaccinated and follow COVID-19 mandates at all times. Follow all safety precautions in order to save yourselves and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
As people around the world were breathing a sigh of relief due to the decreasing number of COVID infection cases, Omicron stepped in and reminded us that it is not over yet. The emergence of Omicron happened late in November. It has been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) that it is a new variant of SARS CoV-2. The B.1.1.529 Omicron has been classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC).
Omicron cases were first detected in Botswana and South Africa. There are confirmed cases in more than 77 countries now. Omicron cases detected in India are largely from Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc. This has led to panic among people, there are several international flight bans due to Omicron. People are also afraid there might be another lockdown in India as the threat rises. The UK has already seen a massive rise in cases and may be forced into lockdown. We don’t know for sure the severity of illness it causes, or how effective vaccines are against it, but research is on.
There is a lot of research ongoing regarding the Omicron variant and its transmissibility. Children seem to have a stronger immune response to the coronavirus infection but may be at a greater risk of contracting the Omicron virus. This is why the focus is now on vaccinating children.
The quick rise of the variant shows that it has some capacity to evade immunity. A lot of people including South Africans are fully vaccinated, despite which a large number of people were infected.
Studies suggest that breakthrough infections in South Africa took place even though the vaccines administered were Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Some countries have focused on giving booster doses. It is believed that a third dose may decrease Omicron’s ability to evade the antibodies.
Even if the effectiveness of vaccines against Omicron comes out to be slightly low, it remains the best way to protect people from COVID-19. Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, but the tools we already have for protection are masks, sanitisers, vaccines, availability of tests, awareness of safety measures that can be of great help irrespective of the type of variant.
The spread of the Omicron variant may make you question the effectiveness of the vaccines, but you must remember that Delta is still the dominant variant and the safety measures and vaccines will help you reduce the threat of severe COVID infection from all variants. No studies so far, have proven the ineffectiveness of vaccines in Omicron. While researches are being carried on, you must continue to follow COVID guidelines to stay safe and get vaccinated.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth many unknown factors and unanswered queries. With different protocols for treatment changing daily, everyone set their hope on the formulation of a vaccine against COVID. Many pharmaceutical companies worked overtime to deliver a solution with the least possible reactions to COVID vaccines. We have many alternatives and options for a COVID vaccine today. Yet, there is vaccine hesitancy since people have various doubts regarding COVID vaccine side-effects, safety and reactions.
Many people are classified as high-risk for COVID infection and show severe reactions to it that needs hospitalisation or increase chances of death. One of the reasons that qualify as high-risk is diabetes. People with both Type 1 and Type 2 or any other type of diabetes can be at risk. Let us look into the effects of COVID vaccines for people with diabetes.
The COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is not different from the COVID vaccine being administered to everyone else. The vaccine is not contraindicated for people with diabetes.
The COVID vaccine side-effects do not differ vastly in people with diabetes as compared to non-diabetic individuals. Research has confirmed that the COVID vaccine is vital for patients with diabetes as it reduces the severity of the disease.
While it’s absolutely safe for diabetics to take COVID vaccine, better sugar control means better immune response to put it simply.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Also Read: Vitamin D3 Deficiency Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide to Signs and Management options
Patients who have high blood glucose levels are often on oral or injectable medication to keep their blood sugar levels in check. Diabetes, if left unchecked, affects multiple organs in the body. To avoid this, people with diabetes may be on other medications apart from just anti-diabetic medications.
For those on other medicines, such as immunosuppressants, the COVID vaccine side-effects may be observed or the vaccine may be less effective. These COVID vaccine side-effects are not due to diabetes but due to other conditions or medications. Hence, it would be wrong to infer that the COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is unsafe.
Another perspective is that people with type-2 diabetes are often in the older age group of 65 and above. At that age, many people are also on medication for some auto-immune disorders. These medicines and not necessarily diabetes can be the cause of side-effects of COVID vaccines.
This age group is also prone to orthopaedic complaints. Usual medicines prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis maybe some kind of immunosuppressants which may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. In such a case, it is advised to consult your doctor and most likely a dose modification in your ongoing medicines can be prescribed by your doctor for the best outcome of your COVID vaccine.
If a person with diabetes contracts the COVID infection, there will be some issues with their blood sugar levels. Even those with controlled diabetes experience some changes in their blood glucose levels. However, severe fluctuations in the blood sugar levels of a person with diabetes are not part of the list of documented COVID vaccine side effects. Mild fluctuations for a day or two have been reported by some patients which usually require no extra care. In case, the fluctuations persist, your doctor can manage them well with a slight adjustment in the doses of your medicines.
Frequent glucose monitoring, a healthy diet, adequate hydration, and dose titration of glucose-lowering medication is recommended for patients with diabetes and when they are infected with covid.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
It is safe to take the COVID vaccine for people with diabetes. But, it is important to keep an eye out for the common reactions to vaccines, usually body aches and fever. The outcome can be better if the post-vaccine precautions are known and implemented.
Before taking the vaccine, it is advisable to discuss the medical history with the treating physician. Some medicines may need dose modulation or discontinuation for a brief period before taking the vaccine.
At least a week before taking the COVID vaccine, a person with diabetes should check the blood sugar levels in a lab and report the readings to the primary care physician or diabetologist.
The routine COVID vaccine side-effects are:
These symptoms are expected to manifest even in a person with diabetes. The same post-vaccine precautions recommended to everyone are applicable for the person with diabetes as well. Consume paracetamol for the fever and body ache and take adequate rest after taking the COVID vaccine. It is advisable to consult a doctor for the post-vaccine precautions and COVID vaccine side effects.
One important post-vaccine precaution for people with diabetes is to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. Convey the blood sugar readings to the doctor in charge of your diabetes treatment. Keeping track of the blood sugar levels and other known symptoms of diabetes is the most helpful post-vaccine precaution.
Also Read: Omicron Variant & Vaccine Efficacy
The COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is safe and vital. It reduces the risk of complications and chances of hospitalisation. COVID vaccine side-effects may be due to other medication and underlying disease conditions rather than diabetes. Following post-vaccine precautions, regularly monitoring the condition and consulting the doctor can help you reduce the anxiety and hesitancy related to Covid vaccination.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest News & Updates
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
This year, India and the world have been going full throttle to vaccinate people and immunize the population against COVID-19. Two shots of all the approved COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, safe and teach your immunity to protect you from the coronavirus.
However, recent research has thrown light on an uncomfortable fact. There are thoughts that COVID vaccine efficacy starts to dwindle a few months after the second shot is administered. For example, Pfizer efficacy drops to 77% after 4 months and Moderna efficacy remains 92% for about 5 months after which it may start declining. Antibody levels drop and does this mean, your immunity against COVID-19, especially more dangerous variants like Delta declines?
In this context, the medical community is discussing the importance of the COVID-19 booster shot. This is where the ‘3rd dose’ of the COVID vaccine comes into play.
Booster shots are the same vaccines that are being administered to fight COVID-19. Since antibody levels become quite low about 6 months after complete vaccination, booster shots can amp up the waning immune system. Research has also revealed that when people are given mRNA booster shots, then their immunity can increase up to 10 times! You will need lots of antibodies to shield you from Delta or any other highly contagious COVID variant.
This depends on how long the vaccine maintains its efficacy in your body. Some vaccines continue being highly effective up to 6 months after the 2nd dose whereas some start losing their effectiveness after about 4 months. As soon as the antibody count starts to drop, it will be time to get booster shots.
Eventually, everyone will possibly need booster shots to give a boost to their flagging immunity against COVID-19. But, as with the rollout of the vaccination programme, there will be priority groups who will be first in line to the booster shots:
Many countries have announced booster shots for selected populations. As of now, there is no such declaration about the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in our country. It is fair and essential to focus on the completion of the two-course vaccination drive going at present and then plan and prepare for the third dose if established vital by studies.
Until the Union government and the state governments come to a decision about the execution of the 3rd dose of COVID-19 vaccines, you can’t really avail of the booster shots. In the intervening time, make sure you get both the first and second shots of the vaccine and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour to keep yourself and the community safe.
Also Read: Omicron Variant & Vaccine Efficacy
There are limited studies and data on the long-term efficacy of vaccines. Some experts also opine that one should not worry about the decline in the number of antibodies after both doses of the vaccine because your immunity keeps a memory of the response needed and is capable of producing more antibodies when required. However, we need more studies and data to confirm this scenario. Till the time all you can do is to get both shots of vaccine and stay calm but not careless. The threat of COVID-19 has not gone away. Even if you are fully vaccinated, remember, there is still a possibility that you may contract COVID-19 unless you are careful. So, continue wearing masks, avoid crowded places, sanitize your hands and wash up thoroughly after coming home.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Risk & Precautions
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Covaxin – Is It Safe For You? Read To Know The Truth
The vaccination drive in India is progressing with great momentum. However, some people are still puzzled if they should take a shot of it or not. Well, the skepticism is totally understandable. Though the vaccines have been prepared in a haste but it has been studied well and thus has been approved by the government of India.
Covaxin is a COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Bharat Biotech in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Virology (NIV). Covaxin has shown an 81% (interim 3rd phase trial results) efficacy rate against COVID-19 disease. ICMR even found Covaxin to be effective against the Delta variant of coronavirus
However, the vaccine manufacturers have issued an advisory people must go through before they take the shot.
The vaccine manufacturer has clearly stated that people who have a weaker immunity or are taking a medicine that impacts their immune system should not take the shot.
Bharat Biotech has released a fact sheet suggesting who else shouldn’t take Covaxin:
Moreover, people who have taken a shot of some other COVID-19 vaccine should also not take Covaxin.
Notably, before the vaccination drive was not launched, the government had said that people who are on immuno-suppressants or have a weaker immunity could take the vaccine but it might not turn out to be very effective. It is worth mentioning that people undergoing chemotherapy, HIV treatment or taking steroids are immune-suppressed.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has authorized Bharat Biotech for the restricted use of Covaxin under clinical trial mode. It means that the people, who are on the priority list prepared by the government-appointed panel, will be covered under this program.
It is the responsibility of the respective state governments to inform the individuals who are in line to get the vaccine. The people who are on the priority list have been given the option to receive or reject the vaccine administration at the government-specified booths.
So far, about eight lakh people have been vaccinated in India, and the authorities have seen only 580 cases of adverse effects on the patients. There also have been two deaths, in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka but those were completely unrelated to the vaccine.
According to the official figures, only 0.18% of cases have resulted in adverse events following immunization (AEFIs), of which only 0.002% resulted in hospitalization.
Bharat Biotech has also defined the possible side-effects (mostly mild), that you may experience post-vaccination. Have a look:
The other adverse effects may include:
The government has set up specific booths for vaccinations, where they have appointed health experts, who will observe the patients for 30 minutes after vaccination to observe any serious side effects if they occur.
Bharat Biotech in its fact sheet has also confirmed that the recipients of the vaccine will be a part of a three-month follow-up program, in which designated government officials will track the development of any health issues in them.
In case, anyone develops any serious health conditions, they will get medically recognized standard care at a government facility. The person will also get compensation for developing many serious health issues.
The document further states that the clinical efficacy of Covaxin is yet not established, as it is still in the Phase 3 clinical trial stage. Hence, people who receive it are still advised to follow all the COVID-19 related precautions diligently.
People who are next in line to get Covaxin or any other COVID-19 vaccine must disclose their medical history to the vaccinator before vaccination to avoid any chances of adverse effects. Moreover, looking at the AEFI rate, people with a healthy immune system may take a sigh of relief.
Immunity is what it takes for you to be healthy or not healthy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
As time passes, a larger chunk of the world population is getting vaccinated, finally signalling an end in sight for the Covid-19 pandemic. As we enter the final few months of 2021, countries are starting to think about Covid-19 vaccinations for younger demographics, especially teens. The vaccine made by Pfizer in the USA has already been approved for older children (over 12 years). Soon though, it looks like children in the 5 – 11 age bracket may be able to get the jab.
According to Pfizer, vaccination for this age group can be initiated by the time Halloween rolls around. The possibility of schools opening up soon seems very real with this news and it may only be a matter of time before we see the same trend around the world.
The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is one of the main vaccines being used in the USA to inoculate the population. As the adult population was getting their shots, attention turned to younger demographics. The Pfizer vaccine was tested and approved for emergency use on children first in Dec 2020 for those between 16-18. Later in May 2021, this was extended to those in the age range of 12 – 15. Children younger than this currently have no protection from Covid-19.
So Pfizer has been testing the vaccine at about 1/3rd the amount given to adults, in a trial covering about 2,200 children. The test found the vaccine to be safe and it generated the required antibody response. With this result, the company expects that the FDA will give Emergency Use Approval in as little as a month.
As more countries sanction vaccine trials with younger groups of children, the vaccination coverage across the entire population is sure to increase very soon. Across the world, children under 15 make up 26% of the total population. The need to get them vaccinated is also important to acquire herd immunity.
With the Pfizer, Covid-19 vaccine for younger children soon to be approved, schools may finally start to end online classes. For example, in New York state there were no rules in place for student vaccination, only the staff needed to be vaccinated. This will restore stability, structure and discipline in the education system. For grownups too, this comes as welcoming news because, once this age group starts being vaccinated, parents will feel relieved and they too can resume their normal activities like going back to the workplace (which they may have been fearful of doing because they might become carriers of the disease and pass the virus on to their children).
The need for getting as many children vaccinated as possible is growing more urgent as the US is also dealing with the Delta variant. This is one of the deadliest COVID-19 variants and even if vaccinated people get infected, the symptoms are very mild and certainly not life-threatening.
The Pfizer vaccine trial on children between 5 and 11 years was conducted using 2 doses (each of 10 micrograms), with 3 weeks interval between each shot. Considering the urgent requirement at this time as well as the vaccine’s past performance with older kids and adults, this vaccine may be rolled out in as little as a few months or weeks.
Across the world, several other countries too have anticipated the need to get children vaccinated and open up schools. In India, the Zydus Cadila Covid-19 vaccine was the earliest to get emergency use approval for children as young as 12. It is also the only needle-free, plasmid DNA vaccine currently approved for people under 18, it may be used exclusively for children since it has not been used to inoculate adults yet.
In Europe, a lot of countries like France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden have begun vaccination for children 12 and over. But some of these approvals are only if the child has certain underlying conditions (lung disease, asthma. etc), others are more general.
In China, the homegrown Sinovac vaccine was approved for children 3 – 17 years. As it stands with current Covid-19 vaccines, that would be the youngest approved age. The same vaccine is being used by several countries in Africa, Asia and South America.
All through 2020 and the better part of 2021, the sheer magnitude of this pandemic seemed overwhelming. But with dedication, the scientific and the medical community are finding the means to get to the light at the end of the tunnel soon. Allowing Covid-19 vaccines for children is one of the final steps the world is taking towards being free from the pandemic. Schools were one of the first institutions to completely shut down and they might be the last to reopen. The good news is that with more trials like the one from Pfizer, there is a tangible and very real possibility that our children may finally be able to go to school in person. The world may not go back to the way it used to be but we can see the day where schools are full of children again.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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